Helen James, UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Helen James

Hailsham BN27
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Helen James, UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Helen James

Hailsham BN27
Shortlist Share

My Approach

My training in integrative ( meaning different modalities combined into a whole) training has equipped me to work with a variety of therapeutic techniques, including and not limited to, working with art, drama, music, and play. I strongly believe in the expressive power of play and of using creative mediums such as clay, paint and sand. I have a long-standing interest in attachment difficulties, Adverse Childhood Experiences.


The integrative approach allows me to provide a customised approach to suit the needs of each child, young person, or adult. My focus is always based in seeking to understand the unconscious dynamics which might be adversely affecting the client’s life and in helping clients understand themselves whilst supporting them in building a stable and healthy sense of themselves in the world. I am keenly aware of the need to develop a child or adult’s capacity for resilience, and for their sense of their own agency and identity to be fully expressed. When working with parents, I see my role as supporting them in thinking about how to understand and support their children through difficult periods in their lives. ​​​​I have a long-standing interest in Attachment difficulties, Adverse Childhood Experiences and work from a Trauma informed position; prioritising the relational aspect of my work. I believe firmly in establishing a sense of safety for clients as quickly as possible. Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I am trained to work with a wide range of issues, but these are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

About Me

I have been working with children and young people for over twenty years. Formerly working with children, teens, and adults, teaching art techniques for creative emotional expression, I ultimately went on to study Psychology, and then become a Psychotherapist, specialising in children and adolescents, a career which combines my two great passions; young people and creative expression perfectly.

When working with parents, I see my role as supporting them in thinking about how to support their children through difficult periods in their lives. I have worked with the YMCA as a mentor to young people living in the organisation’s hostels and been involved with the Children with Diabetes (CWD) organisation over many years. I have worked with children and young people in a range of settings, from primary, senior and boarding schools all the way through to Further Education colleges and Universities locally in East Sussex, prior to setting up my own practice. I have also worked at an NHS Acute Adolescent Inpatient Psychological unit which gave me invaluable insight and experience in working with young people who are reluctant to engage in the therapeutic process and who are experiencing the most acute mental health difficulties.​​​​


I enjoy working across all age groups and find working with adults and parents and facilitating dialogue to help them better understand themselves, their partners and/children a very rewarding and important part of my work.

I work with

  • Children and young people
  • Families
  • Individuals
  • Private healthcare referrals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

I have many years experience of working with anxiety and have been trained to use several different approaches chosen to suit the client best. Anxiety can be debilitating, destabilising and can lead to social isolation and more if not worked with. I am passionate about working in this particular area.
This is an area of particular interest to me. The field is so wide and the early signs can be incredibly subtle and easily missed, but it is such a devastating mental health issue to cope with. I have a lot of experience working with various eating disorders and have also offered training for teachers, to local schools.
I have an overall interest in all mental health issues and am trained to work with them all. I have a profound respect for those who are struggling with a mental health issue and will do my very best to support you in a completely non-judgemental and supportive manner.
Parenting is the toughest job we will ever have. I understand this and enjoy working compassionately with parents, in order to help your family system to work in a healthier and happier manner. I enjoy particularly working with teens and parents and have a particular interest in this area.
I work from a Trauma informed perspective, and I deeply understand the impact of trauma on a person, be they child, teenager or adult. I have a great deal of experience working in this area, and will work with you in a compassionate and understanding way.

Types of Therapies Offered

  • Child and Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counsellor

What I can help with

  • Age-related Issues
  • Anorexia
  • Bereavement
  • Bullying
  • Chronic Illness
  • Depression
  • Domestic Violence
  • Family
  • Gender
  • Infertility
  • Mental Health Issues
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Parents
  • Post-Traumatic Stress
  • Relationships
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Spirituality
  • Step Families
  • Stress
  • Terminal Illness
  • Trauma

Types of sessions

  • Face to Face - Long Term
  • Face to Face - Short Term
  • Online Therapy

Hailsham Office

The Garden Room
Upper Dicker
Hailsham BN27 3QE
United Kingdom (UK)

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Hove Office

Cormack and James, Suite 306, The Dockhub,
Wilbury Villas
Hove BN3 3AH
England

  Wheelchair accessible View Map

Cost:

£70

Concession:

I offer some low cost spaces.

UKCP College

  • College for Child and Adolescent Psychotherapies (CCAP)

Working with Children

For more information about therapy for children and young people, visit our info page.
Helen James

Helen James

Hailsham BN27

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